Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2017
Observational StudyIschemia-modified albumin is a predictor of short-term mortality in patients with severe sepsis.
One of the most important events leading to morbidity and mortality in patients with severe sepsis is the development of global tissue hypoperfusion and oxidative damage. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), an albumin generated under ischemic and oxidative conditions, is a marker of oxidative stress and hypoperfusion. Here, we investigated whether IMA level could predict short-term mortality with severe sepsis. ⋯ The IMA level, especially at least 110 U/mL, may be a useful predictor of death for patients with severe sepsis.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2017
Valproate for agitation in critically ill patients: A retrospective study.
The purpose was to describe the use of valproate therapy for agitation in critically ill patients, examine its safety, and describe its relationship with agitation and delirium. ⋯ Valproate therapy was associated with a reduction in agitation, delirium, and concomitant psychoactive medication use within 48 hours of initiation.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2017
Hematologic counts as predictors of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, but currently no single clinical method or ancillary test can reliably predict which subset of patients will develop delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The aim of this study was to find hematologic derangements and clinical factors present during the first 7 days after bleeding that could help identify patients at risk for development of DCI. ⋯ The presence of leukocytosis and anemia during the third day after SAH was statistically correlated with the occurrence of DCI.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2017
Safety and feasibility of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation chronaxie-based protocol in critical ill patients: A prospective observational study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) protocol based on neuromuscular excitability and applied in numerous muscle groups of critical ill patients. ⋯ We demonstrated that NMES chronaxie-based protocol is safe and feasible.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2017
Failure of chemical thromboprophylaxis in critically ill medical and surgical patients with sepsis.
Critically ill patients who develop sepsis may be at a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis failure; however, studies in this population are limited. The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of VTE prophylaxis failure in this population. ⋯ Critically ill patients with sepsis had a high rate of VTE prophylaxis failure with ARDS being identified as a risk factor for VTE prophylaxis failure.